Has Jonjo Shelvey REALLY been scapegoated at Liverpool?

After starting the season pretty strong and featuring in a large number of games, it seems that Jonjo Shelvey has been squeezed out at Liverpool.

His start to the season was so positive that it resulted in the 20-year-old’s first call up to the senior England International side in October (against minnows San Marino, but nonetheless…).

He made 14 appearances early in the season, but has not featured in the Premier League since a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Stoke City on Boxing Day. Shelvey, who has never been one to mince his words, thinks he has stumbled upon the reason why. He recently told the Press:

“I played against Stoke and obviously I didn’t have too great a game. I had a few personal issues that were going on in my life. I didn’t think I was the only one that had a bad game that day but I was the one that suffered if you know what I mean.” (Source: The Independent)

It seems he feels he has been made an exception of – that he’s being scapegoated for the team’s poor performance on that day.

At least he has the wherewithal and the self-awareness to confess that his performance wasn’t up to scratch that day. Liverpool’s boxing day performance was a complete turkey – misplaced passes, lack of desire, no cutting edge – you name it. Shelvey, who looked so energetic earlier this season looked a little lifeless. That’s basically a crime around Anfield way – if you’re not going to put in 100%, the fans will get on your back and the manager will take note.

Brendan Rodgers hasn’t been shy when it comes to criticizing his players this season. His post-match interviews range from delusional to critical and you get the feeling that some of his ire has been targeted at Shelvey.

There’s no use in Shelvey, whining, or taking the ‘poor me’ approach. He’s got to prove to the rest of the team and the fans that he’s capable of making it at Liverpool. Only by training hard, earning his place again and then capitalizing on any opportunities he’s given, can he do this. Luckily, it appears he has his head screwed on:

“You just have to take it on the chin and work hard in training and try to get myself back in the team which I’m trying to do.”

I hope he succeeds!

What’s your take? Is Shelvey being scapegoated at Liverpool?

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